Mutharika bitter, wants another term at 80 years

Malawi President Peter Mutharika has announced that he will seek a second term as head of state in 2019 elections when he will be an octogenarian at 80 years, pledging to keep leading the nation to “prosperity.”

Speaking to supporters of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at his first ever public rally in the southern region since becoming President at Njamba Freedom Park, Muntharika, 75 told the gathering that he is contesting in 2019 and there will be no fall back plan.

Mutharika: Bitter

“I am going to be seeking another mandate,” said Mutharika who electoral victory in May was shrouded with controversy.

Mutharika said it will be “an honour” to have the opportunity to continue serving as Malawi President beyond 2019.

In his speech, Mutharika catalogued his life as opposition leader, saying he faced illtreatment from the Joyce Banda administration.

He said following his arrest for treason with several of former ministers and the former chief secretary to government Bright Msaka, the treatment on remand was inhuman.

“We were mistreated; they wanted to kill us,” he claimed, informing the crowds that he spent nights in mosquito infested cells at Lumbadzi and Maula.

Mutharika said the treason charges which have since been withdrawn, were trumped up for political reasons to stop his candidature in the elections.

“There was no case for treason,” said Mutharika, a law professor turned politician.

“Treason is a serious crime because its penalty is death. Leaders should think twice before they start stupid cases of treason,” he said.

Mutharika told the crowds that his administration will deliver what it promised in the elections campaign and as outlined in the party’s manifesto.